Does it need full sun?

Yes, it thrives in full sun but appreciates some light shade in very hot climates.

How long until it fruits?

Trees grown from seed typically begin fruiting within 2 years.

Plant guide

Tamarillo.

Solanum betaceum

Pronounced so-LAY-num be-TAY-see-um

Also known as Tomato Tree, Tree Tomato

The tamarillo is a lovely, fast growing small tree that produces unique, egg shaped fruits. It thrives in mild climates and adds a tropical feel to any garden. You will enjoy its clusters of fragrant flowers followed by colorful, edible berries.

Another photo of Tamarillo — Photo by Cheng-Tao Lin (CC BY) via gbif

At a glance

Care level: Moderate
Plant type: Fruit tree
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Indoor light: Bright indirect
Water: Every 3 to 7 days
Mature size: 10 to 15 feet
Growth rate: Fast
Hardiness: USDA 9 to 11
Bloom time: Late spring to early summer

Care

Keep the soil consistently moist but never soggy to prevent root issues. Watch for yellowing leaves, which often signal overwatering or poor drainage. Protect the plant from strong winds and frost to keep it healthy.

Watering: Water deeply whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Feeding: Feed with a balanced fertilizer during the active growing season.
Pruning: Trim back branches after harvest to encourage a bushier shape and better fruit production.
Repotting: Move to a larger container once the roots begin to circle the pot.
Soil: Well draining, fertile loam
Soil pH: 5.5 to 7.0
Temperature: 10 to 28°C
Humidity: 50 to 70%
Drought tolerance: Low
Lifespan: Perennial, typically 5 to 7 years
Fragrance: Light
Deer and rabbits: Moderate

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing out of drainage holes
Water running straight through the pot
Stunted growth despite regular feeding

Safety

People: The leaves and stems contain solanine and should not be consumed.
Pets: The foliage and unripe fruit contain solanine, which can be toxic to cats and dogs if ingested.
Children: The fruit is safe, but children should be supervised to avoid eating the leaves or stems.
Contact allergens: Handling the foliage may cause mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Airborne allergens: Pollen may trigger mild allergic reactions in sensitive individuals during the flowering season.
Edibility: The skin of the fruit is often bitter and tough, so it is usually peeled before eating.

How to identify it

Large, heart shaped evergreen leaves
Clusters of fragrant pinkish flowers
Smooth, egg shaped edible fruit
Sturdy, woody central trunk
Distinctive veining on leaf undersides

Height: 2 to 4m
Spread: 1.5 to 3m
Leaves: green, evergreen
Flowers: pink, white, 1 to 2cm
Fruit: red, orange, purple, Autumn to winter

Problems to watch for

AphidsCommon
Powdery MildewCommon
Root RotUncommon
Spider MitesUncommon
WhiteflyUncommon
Verticillium WiltRare

By symptom

Plant problems by symptom

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Growing it

Propagation: seed, cuttings
When to plant: spring
Overwintering: Move containers indoors before the first frost. If planted in the ground, protect with frost cloth during cold snaps.
In containers: It grows well in large containers of at least 20 liters, though it will remain smaller than in the ground.

Seed

1. Extract seeds from a ripe fruit.
2. Clean and dry the seeds.
3. Sow in moist seed starting mix.
4. Keep warm and bright until germination.

Cuttings

1. Take a 15cm softwood cutting in spring.
2. Remove lower leaves.
3. Dip in rooting hormone.
4. Place in moist potting medium.
5. Cover with plastic to maintain humidity.

Plant low growing herbs beneath the tree to suppress weeds and maintain a cool root zone.

Grows well with

Nasturtium · It acts as a ground cover that helps retain soil moisture.
Basil · It grows well in the dappled shade provided by the tree canopy.

Similar species

Tomato · It is a close relative with similar growth requirements.

Science

Family: Solanaceae
Genus: Solanum
Order: Solanales
Class: Magnoliopsida
Native range: Andean regions of South America
Conservation: This plant is widely cultivated and not considered threatened in the wild.

It grows naturally in cool, subtropical mountain forests where it benefits from consistent moisture.

Value to wildlife: nectar source
Pollinators: bees, butterflies
Uses: culinary fruit, ornamental tree, juice production

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 2/9
Soil reaction: 6/9
Light: 7/9
Temperature: 7/9
Moisture: 6/9
Nutrients: 7/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Does it need full sun?: Yes, it thrives in full sun but appreciates some light shade in very hot climates.
How long until it fruits?: Trees grown from seed typically begin fruiting within 2 years.

Where the name comes from

The genus name Solanum comes from the Latin word for solace, while betaceum refers to its resemblance to a beet.

Good to know

The tree tomato is native to the Andes of South America.
It is a fast growing, short lived tree.
The fruit has a complex, tangy flavor often described as a mix of tomato and passion fruit.
It is highly sensitive to frost and wind.

Also in

Plants toxic to cats and dogs

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This guide was generated with AI on September 26, 2026 and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.